Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is host to almost three million visitors a year from across the country and around the world. They come to marvel at the majestic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota and to learn about the birth, growth, development and the preservation of our country. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore National Memorial has grown in fame as a symbol of America-a symbol of freedom and a hope for people from all cultures and backgrounds.

All the cultures that make up the fabric of this country are represented by the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and surrounding Black Hills. One of the most important gifts we can give our visitors at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an understanding and love for our nation's history and cultures and an appreciation of the importance of caring for that legacy.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Banner

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the environmental group Greenpeace said in a statement that its members unfurled a 2,300 square-foot banner from the top of the mountain calling for an end to global warming. The banner read, "America honors leaders not politicians: Stop Global Warming."

Are they right or wrong with what they did?

How Mount Rushmore Got Its Name

In the 1880’s Keystone was a booming mining town. James Wilson was a New York mining promoter examining mining claims in the area. Wilson hired Charles E. Rushmore, a young New York attorney, to check on mining titles. Mr. Rushmore arrived in the area in 1885 representing the Harney Peak Consolidated Tin Company, LTD. , located at Pine Camp just north of an “unnamed” mountain. Out traveling to examine claims, Rushmore passed by the unnamed mountain. He asked his guide, William Challis, “What is the name of that mountain?” Challis jestingly replied in his now famous quote: “It’s never had any but it has now-we’ll call the damn thing Rushmore,” the guide, William Challis replied. In June, 1930 the United States Board of Geographic Names officially recognized Mount Rushmore. Later it became a National Memorial.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial Hours of Operation

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open all year, except for December 25. Please see the summer and winter season schedules below for seasonal hours.

SUMMER SEASON
May 23 - September 30, 2009
Open 7 days a week

Facility

Information Center
May 23 - Aug. 14 8am - 10pm
Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 8am - 9pm

Audio Tour Building
May 15 - Sept. 30 8am - 4pm

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
May 23 - Aug. 14 8am - 10pm
Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 8am -9pm

Sculptor's Studio
May 15 - May 22 9am - 4pm
May 23 - Aug. 14 8am - 7pm Aug. 15 - TBA

Gift Shop
Summer Season
May 18 on 8am - 10:30pm

Carvers Cafe
Summer Season
8am - 7pm May 23 on 8am - 9pm

Memorial Team Ice Cream
Summer Season
11am - 7pm May 23 on 11am - 9pm

Parking
May 3 - May 22 7:00am - 9:00pm
May 23 on 7:00am - 10:00pm

Evening Program
May 23 - August 14, 9:00pm
August 15 - September 30, 8:00pm

Winter Season
October 1, 2009 - May 29, 2010
Open 7 days a weekClosed Christmas Day, December 25

Facility

Information Center
8am - 5pm

Audio Tour Building
CLOSED

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
8am - 5pm

Sculptor's Studio
CLOSED

Gift Shop
October 1 -12 8am - 8pm
October 13 - 24 8am - 7pm
October 25-on 8am - 6pm

Carvers Cafe
October 1 - 12 8am - 5:30pm
October 13 - 24 8am - 4:30pm
October 25 - on 8am - 4:30pm

Memorial Team Ice Cream
October 1 - 12 8am - 5:30pm
October 13 - 24 8am - 4:30pm
October 25 - on 8am - 4:30pm

Parking
7:30am - 5:00pm

For park information about Mount Rushmore Natioal Memorial, please call (605) 574-2523
Carvers Cafe, Memorial Team Ice Cream, and Gift Shop are operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. For information, please call (605) 574-2515.